The Resource Modeling Association was established over a quarter of a century ago and is unique among scientific societies because it brings together scientists and mathematicians from a diverse range of disciplines with a common interest in studying natural resources from a sustainable-use perspective. The natural resources of our planet are under incredible pressure to supply burgeoning human needs and this will only continue to increase. Challenges are ever-present to ensure that resource use remains sustainable and that vital ecosystem services critical for our well-being, species biodiversity essential for the well-being of the global ecosystem, and ecosystem resilience to perturbation are conserved as far as practicable through responsible action. Such action must be informed and it is here that the integration of the quantitative and biological sciences can play a determining role.

Half a year has passed since we held our 20th annual meeting in Bordeaux, France where participants were treated to a superb and diverse range of presentations about the practical application of modeling to real world problems within a convivial collegiate atmosphere of friendly exchange of ideas and opinions. Preparations are now well advanced for our next meeting in June 2016.

I encourage you to consider joining with like-minded people and becoming a member of the RMA to assist you to grow your own professional network and participate in being part of the solution to the global challenge of natural resource management.